18 posts categorized "Dale Tallon"

July 15, 2009

Former Blackhawks winger Martin Havlat, who failed to reach an agreement with the team during free agency before signing with the Minnesota Wild, took some verbal shots at his former employers Wednesday.

Havlat told Darren Dreger of TSN.ca that he was unable to come to an agreement to re-sign with the Hawks because of friction between then-general manager Dale Tallon and Team President John McDonough. Tallon was re-assigned Tuesday within the organization and replaced by Stan Bowman.

"My negotiation with Chicago was not between Dale and my agent [Allan Walsh], it was between Dale and McDonough," Havlat told TSN.ca. "Why? Because McDonough couldn't stand that Dale was so successful and getting the credit for building the Hawks from a last place team to making the Conference Final in three short years. Remember, we were also the youngest team in the NHL last year.

"I was too closely identified with Dale. McDonough knew long ago he was going to fire Dale. He wanted someone he could claim as his own He wanted to stand up at the convention and claim credit for signing this guy or that guy."

McDonough said Tuesday that he and Tallon were "polar opposites" and there were some "style differences" in the way they handled things, but the main reasons for Tallon's firing were his misfiling of paperwork to the Hawks' restricted free agents and a gap in communication between the GM and McDonough.

"Dale and I were very close and I stand for loyalty," Havlat continued to TSN.ca. "The players loved Dale and they are with him. Every single player on that team is with Dale. I still talk to the guys all the time, hockey players know a phony when they see one."

"I was part of a very special team but that team doesn't exist anymore. I am really disappointed that [team Chairman] Rocky Wirtz would let something like this happen."

McDonough appeared on WSCR-AM 670's "The Danny Mac Show" on Wednesday and took the high road.

"I am a big fan of Marty Havlat," McDonough said on WSCR. "Unfortunately, things didn't work out here to extend him and I really wish him well in Minnesota--except when he's playing the Blackhawks. He's a classy guy. Where that came from, I have no idea. I have never talked to Marty Havlat or his agent about a contract extension. I empower people to make those decisions.

"I don't know really what Marty was told because I haven't spoken to him. It was a hockey operations decision. Marty certainly is entitled to write whatever he writes. I respect him. I like him a great deal. He's a classy guy and he may be misinformed."

July 14, 2009

The Blackhawks officially announced Tuesday that they have named Stan Bowman as general manager and reassigned Dale Tallon within the organization.

“We are very proud to promote Stan to his new position of general manager,” Hawks President John McDonough said in a statement. “He brings a comprehensive knowledge of hockey, along with a tremendous intellect and methodical approach to building a successful team and sustaining success. His involvement with our organization and strong understanding of our roster and our system create a very natural and strong transition. Dale will continue to be an important part of our organization, as he has been for many years.”

Bowman, 36, becomes the ninth GM in team history after most recently serving as assistant GM the previous two years. He joined the organization in 2001 as the special assistant to the general manager.

“It is an extreme honor to accept this promotion with the Blackhawks, an Original Six franchise,” Bowman said. “Over the last eight years I have been intricately involved in every facet of our Hockey Operations and take great pride in the talent and character that we have assembled. We will not rest until we reach our goal of winning the Stanley Cup and establishing consistent success for the Chicago Blackhawks and our fans."

Tallon, who had been general manager of the team since June 21, 2005 and had one year remaining on his contract, had, according to a source, twice been denied a contract extension. Tallon's new position is Senior Advisor, Hockey Operations. That is the same title of Scotty Bowman, Stan Bowman's father and legendary coach.

“I have been with this organization in several different capacities since coming over as a player in 1973 and although my position has changed, my goals have not,” Tallon said. “In my new role as Senior Advisor, Hockey Operations I will continue in any way that will help make this a better product on the ice. I’ve seen Stan come up through our ranks and I’m confident he is the right person to step in. This is what is best for the Chicago Blackhawks."

There have been rumors of a rift among Tallon, 58, and other members of the Hawks' hierarchy and the final straw could have been the embarrassment over the recent late filing of qualifying offers to the team's eight restricted free agents. Though it's unclear Tallon was responsible for the gaffe, he took the blame last week during the Hawks' Prospects Camp.

Last Wednesday I asked Tallon directly if he had asked for an extension and he said he hadn't. I then asked if he planned on asking for one and he responded, "I have a contract. I'm not worried about it. I've been here for 32 years. I don't see any reason to have to do that. That will take care of itself. I'm just focused on getting the best possible team on the ice and winning the Stanley Cup."

The National Hockey League Players' Association field a grievance Monday on behalf of the players not yet signed. Here's the NHLPA's statement from spokesperson Jonathan Weatherdon:

“In response to various media inquiries, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) confirms today that it has filed a grievance regarding the failure of the Chicago Blackhawks to submit Qualifying Offers to its 2009 Restricted Free Agents prior to the deadline stipulated in the CBA. The NHLPA will make no further comment on the matter, which is now pending before the Impartial Arbitrator.”

Regarding Brouwer, Crawford, Eager, Fraser and Eager, general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement:

“I am happy to have these five players back with us. They are quality individuals who played an important role with us last season and their talents are a big part of our goals for next season."

By the way, I'm now on Twitter and will be tweeting all week from Prospects Camp and whenever there is Blackhawks news. Here's the link: http://twitter.com/ChrisKuc

June 26, 2009

The NHL draft continued Saturday and the Blackhawks followed up on their first-round selection (No. 28 overall) of defenseman Dylan Olsen on Friday night by picking center Brandon Pirri from Georgetown of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in the second round (59th overall).

Pirri, 18, had 46 goals and 48 assists in 44 games with Georgetown last season. He is a 6-0, 160-pound left-handed shot from Toronto.

With their third-round pick (No. 89), the Hawks took center/winger Daniel DeLisle of Totino Grace High School in Minnesota. Delisle is a big body (6-4, 222) who had 30 goals and 22 assists in 24 games last season.

The Hawks' fourth-round selection (No. 119) was Byron Froese, a center from Everett of the Western Hockey League who had 19 goals and 38 assists in 72 games.

Another center drew the Hawks' attention in the fifth-round round at No. 149, as they took Marcus Kruger from Sweden. Kruger, 5-11, 172, played for Djurgarden, a Swedish junior team.

The Hawks obtained a sixth-round pick (No. 177) from the Atlanta Thrashers and selected center David Pacan of Cumberland of the Candian Junior Hockey League. Pacan had 22 goals and 38 assists in 58 games for Cumberland last season.

With their first pick of the seventh round (No. 195), the Hawks took defenseman Paul Phillips of Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League. Phillips, who is from Darien, had eight goals and 25 assists for Cedar Rapids.

The Hawks concluded their portion of the 2009 entry draft by selecting center David Gilbert of Quebec of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the 209th overall pick. Gilbert had 11 goals and 32 assists in 67 games last season.

In all, the Hawks selected six centers and two defensemen during the draft.

Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said late Friday night that the team is set to sign a contract with restricted free agent center Dave Bolland worth a reported $18 million over five years.

"We're just waiting to get it all agreed upon," Tallon said. "We're close to crossing the T's and dotting the I's."

There was a big trade Saturday as the Calgary Flames acquired the rights to Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester for Jordan Leopold and a third-round draft pick. Bouwmeester is an unrestricted free agent so the Flames have an opportunity to negotiate with the All-Star exclusively until the July 1 free-agency period opens. Leopold, also a defenseman, is unrestricted as well.

June 24, 2009

What happens in Montreal in the next couple of days could go a long way toward determining how the Blackhawks' roster will look for the 2009-10 season and beyond.

General manager Dale Tallon and his staff are balancing preparing for the NHL entry draft, which begins Friday night, and determining the fate of several key free agents.

Tallon said Tuesday prior to leaving for Montreal that he would meet with Allan Walsh, the agent for winger Martin Havlat, and Jay Grossman, goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin's agent, in the days leading up to the draft.

After the Hawks' season ended at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings late last month, Tallon said he was optimistic a deal for Havlat, the team's leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs, would get done. Closing in on a month later and with free agency set to open July 1, no deal has been struck.

If you can believe what Havlat says via Twitter, he only has eyes for the Hawks. I'm not sure where I stand on believing what I read on Twitter because you never know who really is behind the keyboard, but I've asked around and apparently it really is Havlat tweeting or at least Walsh, who updates his own Twitter account often.

Anyway, Havlat's last two postings from the Czech Republic are:

"Just waking up. I had some meetings with my agent in Prague the last few days and he is on the way to Mtl. He will meet with Dale tonight."

And later: "Everyone should know I am only thinking about signing with Chicago. It's where I want to be."

Tallon appears to remain optimistic a deal will get done, but it will take some creative accounting or a discount from Havlat for it to happen. The veteran made $6 million last season. Tallon would likely prefer to sign Havlat to a one-year deal so he has money to spend when Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith will all be eligible for new contracts after next season.

The Khabibulin situation is a bit different and his return is less likely than Havlat's. The veteran goalie made $6.75 million last season and the Hawks already have Cristobal Huet signed for three more seasons.

Tallon said he plans to meet with Khabibulin's agent, Jay Grossman, in Montreal as well. Barring a surprise, Khabibulin likely has played his last game with the Hawks.

I also asked Tallon about Dany Heatley, the high-scoring winger who played for the Ottawa Senators last season but has asked for a trade.

"He's a hell of a player," Tallon said. "I talk to every GM to find out what's available. We all discuss about who's available."

Barring a major overhaul to a team that reached the Western Conference finals, Heatley wouldn't appear to be an option.There's no reason for the Hawks to make major changes and Tallon indicated next season's roster probably won't look too different than it does now.

"I don't think it will be a lot different," Tallon said. "We could be younger."

June 18, 2009

The Blackhawks lost a valuable member of their front office Thursday with the resignation of assistant general manager Rick Dudley.

Dudley, a former NHL player and coach, served four years in the Hawks' hockey operations, including the last three as assistant to GM Dale Tallon.

"Rick has informed me that he has resigned from his position with the Blackhawks to pursue other opportunities,” Tallon said in a statement. “I would like to extend my gratitude to him for his work with our organization and certainly wish him well in the future."

Dudley, who was general manager of the Ottawa Senators for the 1998-99 season, often was on the road scouting for the Hawks and this move could pave the way for a return to the NHL general manager ranks with another team.

Dudley played three seasons for the Buffalo Sabres and later coached them in the early 1990's and also was behind the bench for a short stint with the Florida Panthers during the 2003-04 season.

October 07, 2008

The Blackhawks have set their roster for the 2008-09 season and the biggest surprise is the inclusion of Nikolai Khabibulin.

The veteran goaltender was back at practice Tuesday and the team is prepared to go ahead with it's tandem in the net of Khabibulin and free-agent signee Cristobal Huet.

"Nik's with us -- he's going to be with us," coach Denis Savard said following practice at the Edge in Bensenville.

Khabibulin had not been practicing with teammates while his agent, Jay Grossman, was in discussions with teams from the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. A loan deal could not be struck and the Hawks are back to having a $12 million goalie tandem.

"They were exploring opportunities," general manager Dale Tallon said. "We said we were happy either way -- if Nik wants to move, that's fine. But if he wants to stay and play, that's fine too."

The presence of Khabibulin and his $6.75 million contract helped determine the fate of Cam Barker. The defenseman was sent to Rockford of the American Hockey League. Barker's salary cap hit of $2.8 million and the play of Niklas Hjalmarsson combined to seal this decision on Barker.

Along with Barker, the Hawks sent defenseman Aaron Johnson and goalie Antti Niemi to Rockford. The Hawks released veteran center Kevyn Adams and announced that Joakim Lindstrom has been claimed on waivers by Anaheim.

Free-agent defenseman Keith Carney was not at Tuesday's practice but is still in the mix. If the 38-year-old doesn't sign with another team the Hawks could sign him to fill the eighth defenseman spot with James Wisniewski sidelined with a knee injury.

Here's the Hawks roster the team is prepared to send to the NHL as it opens the regular season Friday night against the Rangers in New York:

September 29, 2008

The 35-year-old Khabibulin is in the final year of a contract paying him $6.75 million. He was originally scheduled to be in goal in Sunday night's exhibition game against Dallas. Free-agent signee Antti Niemi played instead, fueling speculation the Hawks were about to make a move.

Turns out, they were.

"We'll evaluate all our options and we'll have more to say when waivers are over," general manager Dale Tallon said confirming the move.

If another team claims Khabibulin, the Hawks will be off the hook for his salary and will have cap room for their quest to find a second-line center. They are currently about $1.5 million under.

If he does clear waivers, the Hawks could send him to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League and also be clear of his salary. Tallon is also likely working to trade Khabibulin.

Khabibulin signed as a free agent by the Hawks on Aug. 5, 2005. He was 23-20-6 in 50 games last season. He became expendable with the July 1 signing of Cristobal Huet.

January 31, 2008

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- I don't buy into too many trade rumors, but one I read today said the Blackhawks were shopping Martin Havlat. Being a semi-diligent reporter I put in a call to general manager Dale Tallon and he said he'd heard the same rumor.

Turns out it's not true.

"I'm not shopping him at all," Tallon said.

Tallon also said he's not close to any other deal.

"We're waiting to see what happens here the next couple of weeks," he said. "I think there will be a lot of action at the deadline."

January 17, 2008

The Blackhawks signed winger Patrick Sharp to a four-year contract extension on Thursday.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to continue my career with the Blackhawks," Sharp said in a statement. "I love the city of Chicago and the Chicago fans and I want to be here for a long time."

The 26-year-old Sharp has already posted career highs this in season in goals (22) and points (36). He has an NHL-high seven short-handed goals.

"We're very excited about having Patrick Sharp in the fold for the next four years," Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said. "His play and attitude have been outstanding and he has taken on a real leadership role with our team."

About this blog

I do remember the roar. And I remember my first Blackhawks game. I grew up in the western suburbs and my father took me to Chicago Stadium on Feb. 20, 1980 when Tony Esposito and the Hawks downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2.

My most vivid memories of the night are Esposito taking a slap shot to the head and collapsing, sending the crowd of 9,322 into a stunned silence. After a few minutes the Hall of Fame goaltender stood up, received a standing ovation and finished the game.

It was also the night the United States Olympic hockey team defeated West Germany 4-2 en route to a meeting with the Soviet Union and an eventual gold medal. When the score was announced the crowd broke into a chant of "USA! USA!" How could I not get hooked on hockey?

I started working at the Tribune while still in high school at Hinsdale South and I've been a copy editor, page designer, high school sports editor and now a beat reporter for an Original Six team. What a strange trip, indeed.

There's no truth to the rumor I bought a condo in the West Loop so I can take the No. 20 bus to work, but it does help make the commute to the United Center rather short.